Gardening Articles: Flowers :: Bulbs

All About Dahlias (page 4 of 4)

by Diane Bilderback

Dahlia Types

Enthusiasts classify dahlias by flower shape into 16 groups. Here we have pictured 10 of the most popular types and have listed a few of the proven performers in each group, with help from the American Dahlia Society.

The details of classifying dahlias can get a little complicated. Five of the groups, for example, are further subdivided into five flower sizes, ranging in width from 10 inches down to 4 inches. These things are of little practical importance unless you plan to enter your flowers in competitions. But if you want to know more, the best first step is to get a specialty catalog such as Swan Island Dahlias.

Semicactus. Flowers from less than 4 inches to more than 10 inches across. Outer petals pointed and tubular only near tips.